Falcons vs. Saints Pregame Report - Week 12

A legitimate and underrated NFL rivalry sees the Saints and Falcons clash in a big Week 12 NFC South matchup.

Week 12 for the Saints (5-5) sees them taking on a familiar NFC South rival in the Falcons (4-6) in a very important divisional game with some big implications. The hope is that New Orleans has learned a great deal from their bye week and puts together a run for the final seven games to make the postseason and becomes a more consistent team that executes down the stretch. Here's the Pregame Report for Sunday.

Week 12 Saints Pregame Report

All-Time Series: The Saints lead the all-time regular season series 54-53 and have won 6 out of the past 7 matchups. Atlanta has one postseason win over New Orleans from the 1991 season.

Where to Watch: FOX (12:00 p.m. CT), Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston, Pam Oliver (field reporter)

Where to Stream: FuboTV (Start Your Free Trial Here), Saints App, NFL+

Where to Listen: WWL Radio locally (105.3FM) with Mike Hoss, Deuce McAllister, and Jeff Nowak (sideline reporter); SIRIUSXM: 121/384 (NO), 160/229 (ATL)

Referee: Brad Allen

Current Lines: Saints -1.5 (O/U at 41.5)

Jersey Combo: Color Rush with Black Helmets

Last 5 Matchups

• 12/18/22 - Saints 21, Falcons 18
• 9/11/22 - Saints 27, Falcons 26
• 1/9/22 - Saints 30, Falcons 20
• 11/7/21 - Falcons 27, Saints 25
• 12/6/20 - Saints 21, Falcons 16

Chris Olave Has Tremendous Opportunity In Front Of Him

Broadcast Map (via 506sports): Sunday's game is projected in red on FOX, with CBS having the doubleheader. Be sure to check out your local listings to ensure you'll get the game and see what else is on your docket today.

Saints-Falcons Projected in Red / 506sports.com

Saints Notes and Storylines for Week 12

Oct 19, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Tim Jones (15) runs after a reception from the punter on 4th down against New Orleans Saints cornerback Isaac Yiadom (27) during the second quarter at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

PLAYERS IN FOCUS

New Orleans placed Marshon Lattimore and Michael Thomas on injured reserve this week, which means they'll each be out for a minimum of four games. Chris Olave and the rest of the wide receiver room will have to step up in a big way with Thomas being out of action, while veteran Isaac Yiadom should start opposite of Paulson Adebo. In addition to the Falcons, the Saints have the Lions, Panthers, and Giants on their schedule. We'll see what it looks like really quickly.

THE GROUND GAME

A big way to help take some pressure off Derek Carr and the receivers would be to get a strong running game going. New Orleans was doing some really good things against the Vikings defense before finding themselves in a big halftime hole, and we'd fully expect to see a lot of Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill on Sunday. Both Hill and Kamara have been a real thorn in Atlanta's side, and it'll be interesting to see what they're able to do with familiar faces on the opposite side of the ball, mainly defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. It goes without saying, but establishing the run does so many things for you.

PASS RUSH IMPROVEMENT

Make no mistake, Desmond Ridder is going to run the ball today. Dennis Allen said earlier in the week that they identified some areas where opposing offenses are trying to attack the Saints defense, and hopefully we see those corrections on the field. The pass rush is particularly in focus after some very tough outings. It's been extremely frustrating seeing the almost sacks and pressures turn into big gains. That has to stop on Sunday, and we're fully expecting to see veteran Jason Pierre-Paul in the rotation.

FINDING CONSISTENCY AND EXECUTE

Everything has sounded good this week regarding the Saints returning from their bye week, but the actions are going to speak louder for New Orleans. They have control of the division right now, and a loss in Atlanta will give that away. The team is hoping to get their offense playing like they have the past five outings while getting the defense from the first five games, which will produce a match made in heaven, so to speak. Consistency and execution are the main points of emphasis here, and if the Saints are going to win back believers, this is how you start. It doesn't have to be perfect, just improved with a win to show for.

Week 12 Saints-Falcons Coverage

• Saints Key Matchups to Watch at Falcons
• Saints vs. Falcons Prediction, Player Prop Bets & Odds for 11/26
• BetMGM Sportsbook Bonus Code for Saints vs. Falcons: Claim Your $1,500
• Saints Passing Attack Under Microscope at Falcons
• Lattimore to IR, Jason Pierre-Paul to Make Saints Debut
• Saints Must Unleash Rushing Attack Against Familiar Falcons
• A Deeper Look at the Saints' Pass Rushing Struggles
• Saints Pass Defense vs. Falcons Passing Attack
• Saints Should Heavily Feature Taysom Hill Vs. Falcons
• Saints vs. Falcons: A First Look at Week 12's Matchup
• BREAKING: Saints Place Michael Thomas On Injured Reserve